Fuel cell system warm-up strategy with reduced efficiency losses
US8007946B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for quickly and efficiently heating a fuel cell stack at system start-up. The method uses and prioritizes various stack heat sources based on their efficiency to heat the stack. A thermal set-point for heating the stack to the desired temperature is determined based on the ambient temperature and, the stack cooling fluid temperature. The set-point is then compared-to the stack heating provided by the heat sources that are operating through normal system start-up operation. If more heat is necessary to reach the set-point, the method may first charge a system battery using stack power where the load causes the fuel cell stack to heat up. If additional heating is still required, the method may then turn on a cooling fluid heater, then flow a small amount of hydrogen into the cathode inlet stream to provide combustion, and then increase the compressor load as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.